Sordell in GB Olympic squad (From Watford Observer)

Ex-Watford striker Marvin Sordell in Great Britain London Olympics squad

3:54pm Monday 2nd July 2012 in Watford FC News

Picture: Action Images

Watford Academy graduate Marvin Sordell has been selected in Great Britain's football squad for the London Olympics.

Sordell's performances for the Hornets saw him cement his place in the England Under-21 side, who are also managed by Stuart Pearce, and also earn a £3m move to Bolton Wanderers in January.

The 21-year-old was released by Fulham as a youngster and after joining Watford, rose through the ranks to make 81 appearances for the first team, scoring 27 goals.

Former Watford loanees Tom Cleverley, Jack Cork and Danny Rose are also in the 18-man GB squad, which consists of only English and Welsh players.

Olympic regulations dictate that no more than three players over the age of 23 can be included in a squad, with these places being awarded to Welsh pair Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy as well as Micah Richards.

This will be the first time a British team has competed in the Olympics since the 1960 Games in Rome.

Senegal will provide the opening opposition for Pearce’s squad on Thursday, July 26, before clashes with the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

Speaking on his squad, Pearce said: "With just 18 places it is very different from other international tournaments, the options are limited, but it is the Olympic Games and every player in this squad should be very proud they have a chance to compete for a gold medal on home soil.

"I remember the huge advantage we gained from playing in front of our own fans during Euro ‘96, and I’m sure with the nation behind us it could be a fantastic tournament for us."

Team GB Chef de mission Andy Hunt added: "After a 52 year absence from the Olympic Games, it is fantastic to welcome the men’s football squad to Team GB for London 2012.

"Representing your country at the Olympic Games is a very unique, special experience and I am sure this talented and determined group of men’s footballers will play a full part as members of Team GB at our home Olympic Games.

"The squad selected possesses a good blend of youth and experience, with 15 of the 18 selected athletes playing their football at the very highest level in the Premier League last season.

"In Stuart Pearce they have an experienced and passionate manager and I am sure the younger players will learn a lot from their time with Team GB at the Olympic Games.

Team GB squad: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Craig Bellamy (Cardiff City), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Southampton), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City), Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Neil Taylor (Swansea City), James Tomkins (West Ham United).